Special Forces was established as a basic branch of the U.S. Army in 1987. The branch's lineage, however, can be traced to June of 1952, when the 10th Special Forces Group - Airborne was activated. The United States Army Band "Country Roads" pays tribute to the Green Berets with this performance of "Ballad of the Green Berets," originally written and performed by Green Beret Staff Sgt. Barry Sadler. Do you remember hearing this song on the radio? Share your memories with us in the comments. Spec

On this day in 1961, the 5th Special Forces Group is activated at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. | We Are The Mighty

"Fighting Soldiers from the Sky!" On June 11th 1952, the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) was established. The Green Beret was authorized for wear by Col. William E. Ekman, the group commander, in 1954, and it became group policy. By 1955, every soldier in the unit wore a green beret as part of the uniform. However, the Department of the Army did not recognize the beret as headgear, and it was banned. The Green Beret was restored by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. Here is a tribute to the